A memorable night with Hank Aaron and Willie Mays

The big leaguers need to take a page out of Babe Ruth's handbook and start using bats made out of Black Locust. That wood is DENSE. It's hard to even drive a nail through it. I built a fence years ago with Black Locust fence posts..........biggest mistake ever.

Barry Bonds might hold the record but there is no one I respect more than Aaron and Ruth for setting the records he “broke”. The all Star game was amazing if you ignore the face that the AL played like the Yankees. Second or third base were taken with no one out and they couldn’t score. It might just be Yankee stadium but the Yanks also do that when they play away. I’m all set for the second half even though I wont be watching most of the games. I’m leaving late tonight to Europe for a touring camp with all my best friends and I’ll really miss baseball. And I’ll really miss reading the blog. We start off in London but then it’s off to Spain where I have to hear about ‘futbol’ from every third person. But I’m sure you guys will watch every game-scream at all the players- use bad language when necessary and all the works instead of me. I might get my hands on some internet there cuz I’m brining my laptop but we’ll see. In a month—when I get back… we’ll be in first place—how’s that? Have a great baseball month everyone!

I've been busy so I haven't had time to comment on the All-Star game stuff....daaammmn, my boy Josh Hamilton put on a freakin' show in the derby, yo! I'm still a little salty that Justin Morneau won it though, but I like Justin so it's cool. And as for the All-Star game it was sweet to see Michael Young, a player I have always loved, hugging Jeet after the game, that was a special moment for me. And I hate to admit this but I got teary eyed when George S. came out at the beginning of the game, I couldn't help it, I love me some George. And why in the hell would the Yanks be interested in signing a punk like Riche Sexson? He’s a punk because earlier in the season he got in a fight with the Rangers and he threw his helmet like a little girl at the pitcher, a punk move. Not to mention, he can’t hit for ****. Let me get this straight, the Yanks are struggling offensively, so they are going to sign a .200 hitter…right, right, that makes tons of sense. Besides he was bitchin’ about being booed in Seattle, how in the hell is going to handle NYC?!? I’m I missing something here?

I jacked up the last line, *Am I missing something here?*. These boxes need grammer check. And Evie have fun in Europe!

I’m bored…so after some deep thought, I decided that this would be my intro song playlist if I was a baseball player…even though girls can't play baseball in the majors:)
Rock: ‘Transistor’-311
'Aces High'-Iron Maiden
Metal: ‘Becoming the Catalyst’-All That Remains
Rap: ‘Shook Ones’- Mobb Deep
‘Public Service Announcement’-Jay-Z
Country: ‘Fast Cars and Freedom’- Rascal Flatts
Awe yeah that's a sick playlist, I gotta have more than one, I hate when ballplayers use the same damn song every at bat. I’m still bored.

Jeterstar, Nice choice with that track by All That Remains. They are one of my favorite bands. Six by ATR is also freaking sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

YANKEES MINOR LEAGUE SCOREBOARD July 16, 2008

Tampa 6
Jupiter (Marlins) 7
W: C. Martinez (2-3, 4.34); L: M. Dunn (3-6, 4.68); SV: A. Mendez (19)
HR: TAM: A. Perez (4). JUP: L. Morrison (9), S. McDougall (7).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_16_tbyafa_jupafa_1&t=g_box&did=milb
Charleston 2
Kannapolis (White Sox) 0
W: J. Heredia (5-3, 2.66); L: L. Maxwell (9-3, 3.25); SV: J. Ortiz (24)
HR: None.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_16_crdafx_kanafx_1&t=g_box&did=milb
Batavia (Cardinals) 5
Staten Island 6
W: A. Shive (3-2, 2.70); L: R. Delgado (1-1, 2.91); SV: P. Venditte (8)
HR: BAT: C. Sedbrook (1). STA: B. Baisley (1).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_16_batasx_staasx_1&t=g_box&did=milb
GCLYankees 4 (7)
GCL Tigers 2
W: H. Noesi (1-0, 2.08); L: L. Marte (0-1, 3.60); SV: M. Obradovich (4)
HR: TIG: L. Palacios (1).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_16_yanrok_tgrrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
You may also see http://www.yankeesdaily.com for details.

YANKEES MINOR LEAGUE SCOREBOARD July 17, 2008

Scranton/WB
Lehigh Valley (Phillies) 7:05p
----------------------------

Trenton
Portland (Red Sox) 7p
----------------------------

Tampa
Jupiter (Marlins) 7:05p
---------------------------------

Charleston
Kannapolis (White Sox) 7:05p
---------------------------------
Batavia (Cardinals) 11a
Staten Island

---------------------------------

GCLYankees
GCL Phillies 12p
---------------------------------
You may also see http://www.yankeesdaily.com for details.

So no one noticed when Willie Mays completely ignore the two AL starting players??? I did not like the way Yankees fan reacted in Booing Papelbum. Is fine if he gets booed in the beginning of the game, but the Yanks fan forgot that Yanks/Sox we were all playing as a team, with the goal of winning. If Papelbum had not allow the run to score...Part of it has to do w/ the crowd booing every pitch he threw, MO would have gotten the chance to get his 4th All Star Game safe (breaking the record), in the last year of Yankees Stadium. Now how special would that have been, far more special then now having the bragging rights that Papelbum allowed one run, when Mo didn't.

Yep C. Bedlam, 'The Weak Willed' is a sick song also, they're my go to band when I'm working out, good stuff. I'm still bored.

By the way, my boy Humberto Sanchez has not allowed a run in Single A Tampa, since the run he allowed in his very first rehab start. He has 6.2 IP, 3ER, 3BB, and 9Ks. If he continues to do well and his arm doesn't hurt after the games, look for him to be a big time call up in september.

REPEAT: Sexson makes sense for defense and as a right handed bat against lefties. Quick Splits: vs. Left: .344 vs. Right: .178

Shelley Duncan is not an option. He separated a shoulder making a diving catch in right field and seems likely to miss the rest of this season.

I don't like playing GM roles nor I like speculating on trades. I like to see them happen when they do, but that's about it...Here is my very first trade proposal.

If the Mariners were in for a trade, how about Susuki & Berdard for Kennedy, Cabrera, Tabata and/or another minor league prospect (e.g. Alan Horne).

Susuki can be the lead off hitter we need while Damon is out. I don't see him struggling for too much longer, since he has been very consistent throughout the years. The mariners can't expect to get too much for Erik since he has not exactly turn out too well for them. Bring him back to the East where he proved to have dominated.

REPEAT FROM ANOTHER BLOG: My thoughts on the maple bats are get rid of them and all wood! I have to think there is some engineer smart enough to figure out how to make an acceptable metal bat. One I used in softball many years ago wasn't aluminum and didn't seem to add anything to the flight of the ball. Or maybe the answer is a "limited flight" hardball!

Trade Cabrera's sub million salary for Suzuki's $20M+ ? Not likely to happen this year! Remember the 40% salary penalty we pay at the end of this year.

ESPN's reporting that we've signed Sexson so it's a done deal. He should be in the lineup this weekend.

I would imagine that for this year the Mariner would probably have to eat some of the Salary if they want to get prospects in return. Is already half the year, so pro-rated is only $10MM, and would be $5MM if the Mariner's eat half of it in order to get good or better prospect in return.

I don't know if you are aware, but Cabrera does not have a lot of Trade value. Cabrera is only valuable to the Yankees. Most other teams considered Cabrera as a 4th outfielder....

Sexson is replacing Giambi, Giambi is replacing Matsui at DH.

I see Melky as a possible replacement in right field if we don't retain Abreu. At least until Tabata is ready!

BPARK,
I do not think Sexson will play against right handed pitching.

Sexson will be in there against lefties. As long as Big Sexy doesn't throw his helmet at the opposing pitchers, I'll give him a shot, I guess. I have no choice now. Whatever.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3493648

I hope your right Robert. Giambi's stats are not as good at DH but we will need a DH/outfielder. Giambi going back to DH is the logical move. As for Melky, yes, Gardener will be our CF.

Giambi has been crushing lefties, this makes no sense, we need an outfielder.

I called this Sexson signing days ago. Will he be the Savior? No. He's expected to strengthen the bench, DH, play some 1B, & OF if necessary. This has been said already, the existing players need to produce. That's the bottom line. All this team really needs are some reliable role players. I never liked Luis Sojo but, he did the job. Hopefully Sexson pans out. Besides, the isn't anything better in the farm.

I thought this was funny.........OF Damon -- Hit the disabled list for the first time in his career on July 6 with a sprain and contusion of the left AC joint of the left shoulder. His best-case return would be 15 days, and his throwing may be limited". It's not really funny but, wasn't his throwing limited before the injury?

1 last thing, isn't Bedard injured? Let's possibly trade for an injured player. That makes sense.

Bedard is on the 15day DL and last pitched on July 4th. I believe he also spent time on the DL in 2007 with Baltimore. Another knock on him I heard is, as a Canadian, his favorite sport is Hockey!

Trading Cabrera at 23 for Ichiro at 35 is NOT a good trade. I'll take Cabrera's slightly above average bat, and well above average glove for 15 years over Ichiro's superstar bat and superstar glove for the next 3-5 years ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. I have yet to see Gardner prove that he's better than a switch hitting Cabrera with the best center field arm in the big leagues short of Ichiro, either. Besides Ichiro is left handed, and for crying out loud, we already have an entire lineup that hits from that side of the plate.

In fact Gardner has done nothing but suck since his call up. His game winning hit has literally been the ONLY bright spot in his brief career so far. He's NOT ready.

If you ask me, we should chase a package deal for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte. I think Kennedy, Gardner, Tabata, and McCutcheon would be a fair comensation for the two, that would give the Pirates the 4 top-level prospects they would get from letting the 2 go to free agency. It would give us a great right handed hitter, and a lights-out lefty. WIN/WIN, ftw.

Knute,
Read your post on the last thread. The secret to 08:The Show hitting? Swing ONLY at the fastball unless you have 2 strikes. I guess fastball on EVERY pitch and only swing if I guess right, and the fastball is located in one of my hitter's hot zones. It works SOOOOOOOOO good. I play one game of every series, and simulate everything else, and have yet to not finish the season leading in every offesive category, Including most walks, and fewest strikeouts. It's awesome marching the Yankees to a 140-21 season!!!!

Jeterstar you ROCK so hard core.

I saw that post on the playlist and I'm Listening to "becoming the catalyst" right now.

I like "the air I breath" on the new album. This band is SO MUCH better then Shadow's Fall (AKA in flames junior). Of the newer "metal-core bands" All That Remains is by far the best, and As I Lie Dying comes in a [very] close second.

I think, though the Yankees need a "Focus Shift", if you get my drift. I saw Dark Tranquility live in March in NYC. You should add a track or two by them to your play list ;).

Ha. This made my day. I love the METAL! David Wells would be proud.

Go Sexon! Now all we need to do is get Bedard and Suzuki without losing melky and I'm a happy camper.

(BTW-Carcass is playing a gig with Suffocation in september-who's going????)

I wish building a team was as easy in real life as it is in Video Game land. My 2010 Yankees are flat-out STACKED.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Lineup:
Carl Crawford
Derek Jeter
Mark Teixeira
A-Rod
Prince Fielder
Josh Hamilton
Jorge Posada
Robinson Cano
Melky Cabrera
------------------------------------------------
Rotation:
Joba Chamberlain
Cole Hamels
Phil Hughes
CC Sabathia
Chien-Ming Wang
------------------------------------------------
Bullpen:
Mariano Rivera
Jon Broxton
Rafael Perez
Carlos Marmol
Clay Merideth
Damaso Marte
------------------------------------------------
Bench:
Juan Pierre
Bill Hall
Jared Saltalamacchia
Joe Inglett
Hideki Matsui
------------------------------------------------
Needless to say, my team is just STUPID.

Michael,
As God as my witness, I am listening to "Focus Shift" right now!!!!!!! That's weird! My favorite DQ song is The Lesser Faith, though.

LOL, DQ? I must be hungry! D.............T. There that's better, I think I just lost MY language..............

I like the trade Idea for nady and marte, but I don't want to give up Gardner or McCutcheon. Who else can you package in that deal?

The best metal-core band is ATR, but Killswitch Engage comes in a close second!! Of course, no metal band will ever be as badass as Pantera. My favorite band since 1991! DIMEBAG WILL LIVE FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt Carson and Jeff Marquez?

Japanese newspaper reporting Ichiro is available. Gardener is way better than Melky's first time up.

That is so freaking funny. Did you put on "through smudged lenses" after that? If you did, then thats way too wierd for words.

DT is one of the most amazing bands. Did they ever write a bad song? For anyone who has not heard this band, "Character" is a must buy as well as the "Gallery". They re-invent themselves seemingly every album.

Who Likes Testament??? How low can you go??? This song is so heavy!!

Its ok that you lost your language, Chaz. I was speachless when I saw them live. I mean, I was listening to them back in the days when Anders Friden was the singer. I heard "Skydancer" before it was released domestically. I NEVER thought I'd see them in concert-swedish bands son't get over here very much.

AND-SCAR SYMMETRY opened for them. (so did the Haunted, but it was naptime for me whenthey came on....)

Oh, and if the Yanks don't make the play offs and win the WS this year, maybe we can all find "Meaning in Tragedy"? That song JUST came on my player....

Ahhhhh....I am finally in a good mood today.

But don't worry, I'm sure I'll be all pissy and grumpy later tonight, say about 10:30 when Latoya comes in to give up 6 runs in the 6th...(PLEASE hope that doesn't happen!!!)

Wow!!!!! The Yanks signed more garbage in Sexson. This team just refuses to learn from previous mistakes. All this team did was add one more .200 hitter who strikes out a lot in Sexson to another in Betalupuke. Is this team ever going to add quality depth to this team?

You got me there, bpark. Cabrera was a tool his first call up!!!!

Wow!!!!! The Yanks signed more garbage in Sexson. This team just refuses to learn from previous mistakes. All this team did was add one more .200 hitter who strikes out a lot in Sexson to another in Betapuke. Is this team ever going to add quality depth to this team?

I'm listening to a combination of In Flames and Iced Earth right now. I call it the "Fire and Ice" playlist. In Flames is my favorite band other than Tool that is active right now. I just saw them at Gigantour in Portland Oregon this spring. The concert was Epiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiic! Anders is a badass.

Thanks Pamela. I just finished packing and stuff. My flights late in the night but I’m preparing early. This month is gonna rock. Every new city in Europe-means a new party. Not to mention Martini soirée’s in the hotel rooms. And the party itinerary for Monaco is enough to make me scream out loud. Just when I’m going though, Cashman finally makes a move on this roster. I wont get to see whether Sexson is a bust or if he actually helps the team. That sucks. I’ll make a bold prediction. In a month when I return—the Yankees offense soared with the help of Sexson…? At least Cashman made a move---and not for Bonds. And Michael. Save the happiness. Latoya wont ruin anything tonight cuz the Yanks aint playing.

Why is it that when I listen to "Leeches" I have this strange to desire to hit a baby with a puppy?

Chaz, I like Carson and Marquez better. DO THAT TRADE!

Also, about Killswitch...I like them, but ATR and AILD i think are better at structuring songs then killswitch. I know a lot of people like them, but I find that they fall into the "Dream Theater" syndrome where they write a bunch of amazing parts to songs as opposed to writing complete compositions.
But I do think that Killswitch had a profound influence on so many of these newer metal-core bands form the states, especially the new england bands. I like them a HECK of a lot more then Atreyu, Still Remains, Trivium, Shadow's Fall, and Bullet for my Valentine. Maybe I am too critical of them.
Two things i am REALLY critical of, is the Yankees and Metal. I guess becuase I love them both so much!
Personally, I am really partial to the scandinavian stuff. I'm really into Vintersorg/Borknagar as well as Dimmu Borgir, Hypocrisy, Vindir, Arcturus, Satyricon, and of course, Anything Dan Swano touches.

Ha! Eve, you saved my evening. I miss-read the website. My bad.

"canvas to paint, to degenerate-dark reflections, degeneration..." I love this song. Best Video in history....

No way will Gardner replaces Cabrera, hasn't even shown he can hit or get on base with any consistency. Bedard should be off the DL fairly soon so that shouldn't effect his tradability. Don't think the Pirates will give up Nady or Marte for 4 unproven minor leaguers.

DQ....that rips me up. Maybe you are craving a an Ice Cream Sundae from Dairy Queen this evening?
Baseball-metal-Ice Cream. Does it get better then that?

Non-US Metal? Dude: Behemoth, Amon Amarth, Bloodbath, Opeth, Decapitated, Kataklysm, and Witchery.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
You a fan of Lamb of God? My 3rd favorite band, and the new Gods of American Metal!!!!! They would be my second favorite, but their songs are just to political, and their politics and my politics are exact opposite of each other.

You listen to 3 Inches of Blood at all? Freaking AWESOME!

Matt, they will be giving them up in the off-season for 4 unproven draft picks......what's the diff?

You forget, other teams could be going after them as well with the right trade package!!

I saw Witchery open for Emperor, Kataklysm on the sorcery tour open for Enslaved (when Trym was the drummer) and I saw Opeth w/ God Forbid.

Ammon Amarth? You speakin' my language! I like the dummer in lamb of god. He reminds me of alex marquez circa Malevolent Creation/Disincarnate.

I haven't heard much 3 Inches of Blood.

You want to talk about a pair of Guitarists who are SO underrated? Cody and Dallas from God Forbid. "Divide my Destiny" is one of the best songs in the 2000's.

Yeah, thats my song if I was to come out of the bullpen to get some ballers out. I can't hit my way out of a paper bag. But I can throw strikes....if my arm stays in the sockette!

Wow. I saved your evening huh? Glad to help. And btw, it’s not Eve. It’s Evie. It’s a pet peeve I have. My history teacher used to call me Eve even after I reminded him countless times that’s its not Eve… until I finally went ape **** on him. That was enough to get me suspended for three days. I remember that day well. It was two years ago and I was going through a rough Yankee patch. I think both Sheff and Matsui were down. I just don’t like the name Eve. It reminds me of the bible…and the bible is way too innocent for me.

Yeah, but why tip your hand on the first bet? Why not start low and wait for a counter offer?
Impervious to FIRE! Impervious to STEEL! Mercilous Vengeance!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nady + Bay deals being discussed. Bonds told to keep working out and we'll see what we can do before we go that route.

I'd rather get Pierre but we're talking to the Pirates and Colorado (Fuentes-Kennadia).

I'd rather get Pierre but we're talking to the Pirates and Colorado (Fuentes-Kennadia).

Underrated guitarists? How about the Amott brothers from Arch Enemy? Just freaking stupid.........

Bonds working out? You might imagine a treadmill or weights but with Bonds all I need to imagine is syringe needles and a trainer inserting an ‘unkown’ specimen into his ***.

Cashman admits dialogue but says we have NO INTEREST at this time.

Having Bonds is like having Canseco in 2000, he would be a pinch hitter who might not get off the bench, no point. Rather us have Piazza on the team in Moehller spot for that pinch hitting.

I wonder what Torre would take for Pierre he wanted Matsui and Mussina, neither is an option now. Pierre has been moved from center and wants to go elsewhere. Rather Pierre than Bay or Nady.

Apparently the Sexson deal is just the beggining, we are trying to add bench players, an OF, possibly Fuentes and another reliever, maybe even a starter (obviously Milton and Vic Z are not gonna work).

chaz,

True!

Nady is a way better hitter than Pierre, and he's not F-ING LEFT HANDED! If Damon is coming back, why would we need Pierre?

Matt, are you still spilling that Duncan hitting garbage?

Pierre can bunt (better than anyone), and steal bases, THAT IS IT. He's a god-awful, free swinging hitter, and a marginal defender.

@Chaz, same reason we're looking at Nady and Bay. My preference is Pierre's speed. Plus, we may end up moving Abreu's expiring contract. Abreu is done, he stopped trying in the field.

you guys have to see this blog....

http://trades.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/07/yankees_have_interest_in_sexso.html#comments

I almost fell off my chair its so hilarious!

The bible is too innocent for Evie? Evie: the next bait on "To Catch a Predator". LOL.

I have last minute shopping to do so I cant post anymore but have a great month everybody!!!

On Ichiro, we would make that kind of deal in the off season after clearing salary, Seattle would want too much at the deadline. Still I'd rather take Pierre, I had him rated over Hunter defensively before we got Damon. If he can play corner outfield too as he has this year, he would be a very useful addition.

Ewwww!!! Hell no. I just meant I don’t live it’s lifestyle. I take your ‘good month’ wish back for that one. Jk...you could keep it this time.

I have an update. Posada will DH. Giambi will sit when Sexson plays.

Isn't Pierre another left handed bat?

bpark,

I'm spilling it in your backyard, I'm hoping you, I mean keyswahili will join in with his "Betamit has thunder in his bat" or his Bonds spews. That should be more than enough to make anyone (Beta)puke!!

Yes, Pierre is yet ANOTHER left-handed bat. I've posted this about 10000 times, but we need another lefty plugging up the lineup like I need an anus on my elbow.

Sorry, Evie, I didn't know. My Aplogies.

About the Amott brothers. thats a great point, but underrated? no. I think they can be a little on the overrated side, as I think Michael Amott has done the SAME GUITAR SOLO for like 4 albums here, and all the really creative, interesting solos you hear on the Arch Enemy albums are by Chris. That guy has this bizaare (sp?) chromatic lick he does on stigmata and variations of it on later albums. the guy is just an ax-god. So, if I had to say, Chris, underrated, Mike, a tad on the overrated side (but his work with Carcass...legendary....). So I'm torn on this matter.

I like the idea of getting Jason Bay. My choice, though, would be to get Bedard, Ichiro, and maybe randy wolf or Roy Oswalt (is he available? i heard he was...)

But has anyone thought about Christian Guzman from the Nats? He's a .300 hitter, I am pretty sure he's a switch hitter, and he can play every position in the infield,a dn he makes contact and hits w/ RISP. What do you guys think? That would be a good trade. I can see him on this team instead of the WB playing first base.

the best Guitar player I have heard...well, there is this one guy Karl August Tiedemman. He was in Arcturus for an album and he plays in a band called "Winds". Its like an All-Star super band w/ Axel Von Blomberg on drums (he is also known as "Hellhammer", from Mayhem, Covenent, Arcturus, and Dimmu Borgir fame), and Andy Winter on Keyboards. Think "Dream Theater" but with much more depth to the compositions and a deeper, more spiritual concept to the music and lyrics. This guy can match Petrucci lick-for-lick.

My biggest Guitar influence is probably Tiedemman.

With the Sexson signing, we need to terminate Betemit and as far as Bonds, we have no room, we need OF's who can play defense.

We have too many DH's to need Bonds, Pierre is faster defensively than Abreu and Sui.

Best guitarist ever? Dimebag, dude!!!!! Don't come at me with anything else, baby!

"anus on my elbow'?

Again, bpark, dude, seriously, what is this Juan Pierre crap? He's a TOOL. We don't need another lefty that can't hit unless he bunts. Why do we want a lead-off hitter that punches out 150 times a season, when we can chase Xavier Nady; who is younger, has power to the gaps, plays a decent outfield, and is in the middle of a career year?

Yeah....anus on my elbow. Do you need a butthole there? No, you don't. One butthole is sufficient, thus we don't need a butthole like Pierre on this team.

Hey chazbedlam, I notice that you posted the minor league scores even though I had the wrong date on them. You were smart enough to know that I had the wrong date on them. I posted my minor league scores yesterday and I put the 15th on the scores when it was the 16th. I wish I would stop making mistakes like this.

I almost completely forgot, the Pirates have expressed strong interest in Ohlendorf so he could be include in any trade package for Marte or Nady. I don't trust Rndy Wolf at all .even though his numbers are decent enough fora #5 guy at 84-75 4.29, I don't trust him, especially since he has posted ERAs only twice in his career.

I don't post scores, dude. That's Robert's gimmick. I am sold out on score posts. I do have an unlimited supply of senseless rants filled with sarcasm........That's MY gimmick.

A trade package of Kennedy, Ohlendorf, Tabata, and possibly Jason Jones for Nady, and Marte?

"Diamond" Darrel, ahem, as we true believers in the Cowboys From Hell call him, was a very good guitar player. As good as anyone else out there worth mentioning.
His problem as is the case with many Guitarists who wind up doing it all during their careers, he got predictable. His chops were always there, but did he use them after Vulgar Display of Power? Not much...and his sound really didn't progress over the years...the same signiture dry, lower mid range-y crunch that he got out of his Dean and EMG's got really stale, at least for me. The guy was great and created a whole new sound that will forever be linked to him as the pioneer behind the "metalcore" sound. But, and this is merely my opinion, I wouldn't put him in the same catagory as John Petrucci, [this guy I am talking about] Karl Tiedemman, or even the likes of James Murphy or Paul Masvidal.
If you are into Pantera, then Chaz, I have "bonus" pantera for you to check out. There is another band from Louisiana called "Exhorder", who you may like. They are a bit more brutal, but not as focused as Pantera. They had only two albums. Also, have you ever heard VOD from Long Island? I grew up with those guys. Tim Williams used to work at this Coffee shop in West Hempstead, and I used to be best friends w/ Matt's younger brother Danny. Dan was actually the guy who made me my first manowar tape in the 9th grade! (wheels of fire)
You should check out VOD (Vision of Disorder) for more old school pre-metalcore when it was called "hardcore" crossover. Great stuff.
But "Dimebag" was great at what he did, and his death was as tragic as it can get. I was very, very sad when i heard. Some people are sick...

I like it, Matt. That would be an exciting deal. We would fill 2 much needed holes.

Heheheh, Chaz you're spot on! I do exactly that, guess fastball and adjust to the breaking stuff.

What I do is guess the fastball then scan across three sections usually, either inside, or low, or outside or high... if I don't guess the location, then I know it's on the other side of the plate, or high or low as the case may be, OR, it's a ball and out of the zone. It's been working pretty well...

I had 8 dingers in spring training and have 3 through the first month and a week into the second. All but one have been by contact and not using the power. I don't really use the power swing much yet because my player (me of course) has too low skills just yet to take advantage of power... But it is nice... I got to be part of a DP with Jeter in the spring... :P

I'm doing the Road to the Show part right now where it's just you at your position and batting. They sent me to Trenton and I'm batting 3rd behind Elez. Pretty interesting and a little change of pace from just playing a regular game or franchise.

I will swing at pitches I haven't successfully guessed for location but I try like heck to make sure it's going to be in the zone. I hate the Slider! :P I can usually get used to the curve but I hate that slurve, the slider, and the knuckler of course... everything else I can usually handle. I'm a checkswingin' **** tho... hahaha I hardly get the calls right now but at least I can check it!

I will admit that I know far less about Metal than you, Michael. Obviously, you play guitar. I just have my ears. I guess that's why I'm such a big honk for power-groove type metal of Pantera's ilk. The riffs are just so damn catchy!

Dude, Chaz, you are in mid-season form today.

"Yeah....anus on my elbow. Do you need a butthole there? No, you don't. One butthole is sufficient, thus we don't need a butthole like Pierre on this team."

I am dying over here ripping-up laughing so hard.

I would have liked JP a few years back, but not now. He's Tony Womacks little cousin twice removed but minus the skill. he is a slap hitter now with NO power to drive the ball. If you wanted speed, then Gardiner is your man for pinch-running and bunting.

I'd like to see any combination of these guys on this team:

nady
bay
marte
fuentes
oswalt
wolf
bedard
suzuki
guzman

and barry bonds...............................................................

I'm kidding! We don't need another butthole on this team like Pierre, but we certainly don't need a HemorRhOID either!!!

Matt, why are you not dissing Big G or Mussina anymore?
Chaz, Pierre is my preference over who I think we can get thats all.

Powergroove is mosh music. I saw pantera at the Nassau Mosoleum w/ Slayer and Morbid Angel. LOUDEST BAND IN HISTORY. oh my god it was sick. The crowd went nuts on every song. Pantera Fans are like something out of the Oakland Raiders or something-just NUTS about thier band.

Yeah, you can thank Mr Darrel, and both his brothers Rex "rocker" and Vinnie Paul for bringing that type of groove into metal music. But hey, you know what else is groovy? At The Gates "Slaughter of the Soul". If you do not own that album, then you should. Its like "Reign in Blood" for the 90's.

We spent most of the year with 4 OFs, we really need 5, now Sui is down, replaced by Gardener, Christian is not good enough in my opinion.

Knute,
My RTS character is in SWB, right now. You're right, the RTS IS a nice change of pace from my fanchise. I made my guy look just like me. Hilarious to see a 5'6", 200 pound first baseman! BTW, you'll hit 3rd in SWB, too.
My 8 year old made a second baseman. He's getting pretty damn good at his "controller flip". After he hits one out, he flips the controller like its a bat, just like daddy! LOL. It's also pretty funny when he quotes Crash from Bull Durham, "C'mon meat, bring it. Bring it!"

The Blanton deal means most of the pitchers are off the market. We won't get Bedard because Seattle is ***** and we won't get mr. 3 day rest because toronto isn't stupid.

WOW THAT WAS FIRST WORD OF MINE EVER BLEEP IT WAS P.USSY

I have slaughter of the soul, dude. I'm a huge Gothenburg honk.

Giambi hasn't done anything to deserved it, yet!!!
I'm holding back on Mussina until later this year.

David Wells is not coming. We have Mussina, Pettitte, Wang when available, Chamberneezy, and Hughes eventually.

I like the idea of keeping Gardner as a bench player. He shouldn't start, though. Betamit and Christian could make compelling additions to a trade, no?

Well, Mussina has been a rock except for pitching repeatedly to Manny, Big G is our best player unless you prefer, "I'm going to Miami **** Jetes and the AL." What about your Duncan and your Kennadia?

Oh I forgot-you are totally into In Flames. My bad. Didn't put two and two together. That album is sick. When ever I see Bet-a-puke at bat I think of the song "nausea". Thats how I feel when he is arguing balls and strikes....

Chaz-have you heard Sacrilege?

My musical tastes have started to simmer as I get older but I still appreciate the classic stuff, because really, if you're talking about guitar, Rock or Metal is where it's at (aside from blues). No country and pop, guitar can go well in jazz if done right but that's just my opinion. I've been playing for about 22 years now... not bad but not pro-level either. I play what I like... and Pantera has always been tough for me... sort of like Van Halen's stuff. I can learn it but it doesn't come as easy to me like other guitarist's or band's stuff. I'm from the old school primarily... Led Zep, Sabbath, The Who, Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Van Halen, AC/DC, ZZ Top, you know 70's and 80's. But I do like some of the sounds that came out in the 90s and beyond too, just not as much I guess. I just can't keep that pace up hearing-wise anymore, my chops are good enough, but my ears will be ringin' and my head-a-hurtin! I like it loud of course too. :P

I've been gravitating towards some bluesy stuff the last few years though... but you know when I've got to get the lead out it's time to hit the metal setting and shred it up!

I'll have to check out some of those bands you guys are talking about... ;)

I know it's a matter of opinion when it comes to musicians, but in my life, the two most amazing displays I've seen live have been from Jimmy Page and Yngwie Malmsteen. The list is like having All-Stars over the decades in Baseball. There's tons and tons of them, and the great thing is, you probably haven't heard of someone who will rock your *** and make you like them! :P

Zakk Wylde is another guy who amazes me. I've seen Eddie twice and admittedly he was most impressive but Page was unbelievable. George Lynch is another guy... maybe not so much for the tunes of Dokken but that guy can play some mean stuff. It just goes on and on... :P

compelling additions? not unless you include them as "ball boy" and "bucket head" in the trade terms.

We traded Proctor from HIM????

Hey Knute! Its looks like you are caught in the "Crossfire" of this music conversation!

The Blanton deal means no such thing, teams will continue to offer up pitching since it's the most sought after position.

Christian might make a good addition to a trade, but Betapuke has no value whatsoever except if you swallow poison by mistake, and you need to puke it back up immediately!!

I met Malmsteen when he opened for DIO. He invited me and my firends to come in to his bus and signed our autographs and stuff. We met his 19 yr old wife (or something). It was hilarious. He's a trip. Gotta love that guy!!

GM matt susuki knows all about available sps.